Nintendo Admits It Demonstrated PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Games to Show Capabilities of Wii U

Nintendo admitted that footages it demonstrated to illustrate performance and high-quality of graphics during the unveiling of the next-generation Wii U game console were not rendered on the next-generation system. Instead, it was rendered either on Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3.

"Absolutely, [the footage was from PS3 and Xbox 360] because we are talking a year away from when the system is going to launch. [...] In terms of how good [the games] look is going to be driven by what developers do. The system is going to be 1080p, it is going to be high-definition," said Reggie Fils-Aime, the president Nintendo of America, in an interview with Game Trailers web-site.

During the announcement of Wii U, the company demonstrated a number of games, including blockbuster titles like Assasin's Creed, Darksiders, Metro Last Light, to show off the capabilities of the console. Partly, this was probably done in order to communicate to the fans of Nintendo that the premium cross-platform games will be available on Wii U. Unfortunately, it is hard to judge about graphics capabilities or performance of the next-generation Nintendo game machine based on what was shown.

The company also showcased a not visually impressive Wii Sports-like demo to show off capabilities of the new controller with 6.2" screen as well as an in-house Garden demo that was presumably rendered using the console's graphics hardware or a similar ATI Radeon HD graphics processing unit (GPU). The Garden demo resembles games based on Unreal Engine 3 and features such modern effects like HDR, motion-blur, depth-of-field, high-quality geometry and so on.

"We will take full advantage of that 1080p/high-definition. [...] You are going to see games that take full advantage of a system that has the latest technology and can push out some incredible graphics," added Mr. Aime.

Nintendo Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics and generally performance demanding games that can run on consoles like Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3. The system itself is based on a custom IBM Power microprocessor as well as a modern ATI Radeon HD graphics chip with high-definition graphics and video support. But the main feature of the code-named Cafe game console is its unique controller with 6.2" touch-screen that also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers that can be used to play both classic Gamecube/Wii games as well as specially designed titles that take advantage of the screen. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. Nintendo Wii U will cost more than $249.